Page:Historical Works of Venerable Bede vol. 2.djvu/290

flicted three severe blows on him, the smart of which had penetrated to his heart, and tormented him to death. This, and much more, he called aloud, accompanied with gesticulations and clamour, until at length he became convulsed in all his body, and his wretched soul left its covering only to plunge into a greater and eternal torment.

Miracles. The sick cured, &c. § 39. Now at the other place where the Saint's body cured, &c. had been laid, miracles began to be performed, and those who were ill recovered their strength. For, when some time had elapsed, a Scottish woman, who had been weak in her body from her infancy, was brought to Durham, and every body sympathized with her under her affliction,—for her feet and legs were twisted behind her back, and she dragged them along after her, and so crawling on her hands moved herself, in a most wretched manner, from one place to another. Now it happened that she dragged herself to the above-named place, where the Holy Saint's body had rested for a few days. Here she suddenly, by the action of her nerves, began to jump up, and again to fall to the ground, and to alarm all by her cries. After a while she stood upright on her feet, and gave thanks to her Saviour Christ, by the intercession of St. Cuthbert. When this became known, the whole city hastened to the church, the signals were given, and, whilst the clergy chaunted "Te Deum laudamus" the people raised up their voices aloud in praise of God, and the great St. Cuthbert, his beloved servant. But the woman who had been healed travelled through many countries and people, and performed the whole journey on foot. She went to Rome, also, to offer up her prayers; and on her return crossed over into Ireland, proclaiming everywhere the glory of God displayed in the miracle which had been wrought upon her, and the exceeding sanctity of his beloved Confessor. We have often heard this story, just as we have related it, from certain old priests of religious and simple habits, who themselves had seen it.